First edition, early state. Appears to be a mixed state of the A and E bindings referenced on the Children's Picturebook Collecting section of the 1stEdition blog, in that the title page states 'Trade Mark' (indicative of E), but all other factors (Two lines to the 'No. 358' statement on front cover; Little Engine as last title on series list in front matter) match the A state. Lacks scarce jacket. Color picture plate on front board toned and a bit rubbed, but still much better than one generally sees, owner bookplate remnant on front endpaper, faint stain on bottom corner, crayon marks on half-title page and rear endpaper. 1930 Hard Cover. 8 1/4 x 6 3/8. Original red cloth, blue stamped titles & front board illustration. Color & black and white illustrations throughout by Lois Lenski - a fairly early example of her work (though she contributed illustrations to several books in the 1920s, she considered this her apprentice period). A classic children's story released under various titles and versions (most notably The Pony Engine) during the early 20th century, but first issued as The Little Engine That Could in 1930. Arnold Munk, the author who wrote pseudonymously as Watty Piper, personally hired Lois Lenski to provide new illustrations for this publication. This version of the story has become the most popular and widely collected, likely not in small part due to Lenski's contributions.